I woke up one night, it was 2 o'clock in the morning, at least
that was the time that flashed repeatedly on my clock, like after a
power surge. I rubbed my eyes, but the sleep lingered there making it
hard to focus on the shadows in my room, which suddenly began to
shift. I felt like I was catching a ghostly image that I was not meant
to see. I waited a moment, hoping, although fearfully, for
the shadows to move again only they didn't, not at first. Just as I
began to relax, and lay my head back down on my pillow, I heard it. A
strange tinkling sound echoed from the shadows. I ventured a glance
over the edge of my bed, and that is when I saw the shadows moving
across the floor. At first it looked like shadows thrown around the
room with the passing of lit headlights from the road, but then they
stopped suddenly. "I must have eaten too much dessert after
dinner," I discuss with myself, my blanket tucked up tightly around my
chin and knees. But then, I felt a pulling on the blanket. Then I felt the mattress shudder, as my room suddenly seemed to come to life.
The posts of my bed stretched and changed until they looked like the
trunks of trees. The ceiling began to open up and as the edges folded
and fade away, revealing the sky, the stars, and the moon. As I
looked up, amazed by what I was seeing, I neglected to see the shadow
coming up over the edge of my bed. It looked like a shadowed vine that
once it was close enough, wrapped itself around my hand, twisting
between my fingers. At first I was scared, but then I suddenly felt a
wave of comfort wash over me, as the vine pooled, rose up, and then
solidified into the figure of a small girl. As her features became clear I could see that she was
wearing fairy wings, she wore a dress made of vines and leaves, flowers
in her hair, and her smooth cheeks sparkled in the moonlight. She
batted her feathery eyelashes, and smiled a warm smile. She
stepped forward, and quietly invited me to follow her. Still holding my
hand, she began to lead me out of my bed covers, onto a path where my
rug lay just a moment before. We stepped slowly from one stone to the
next, and as we did, the walls of my room faded from view. In its place
appeared a thick, yet serene forest. We walked for a while in
silence, and I watched and wondered as the world change around me.
Enchanting creatures watched us from their hiding places, and their
whispers, too quiet to make out, buzzed around me like insects in the
night. With each step I knew that I should feel frightened and afraid,
but I was not. In fact there was a part of me who found great comfort
in this magical place. I even found that I was eager to see, and know
more. As we walked the path began to widen, and as we stepped
out onto the rise in the path, I could see, like I had never seen
before. It was as if the earth had shed its beautiful, though dull in
comparison, facade revealing it's magical, enchanted, spiritual form.
What I saw beyond the rise defied description, or comparison to
anything I had ever seen before. I could not have dreamed this type of
grandeur. It was as if God himself had let his imagination loose upon
this place. I stood, in absolute stunned silence, tears of pure joy straining my cheeks as I strained to take it all in. Then in a whisper, the fairy girl, who still lovingly held my hand in hers said, "Welcome home."
I had heard what she said, but I was not sure what she meant. As I
struggled to comprehend what she was trying to tell me, I remembered
something like a lingering, memory. It seemed to be an insignificant
thought now, but as my thoughts became clearer, I turned and looked
back down the path. There, like a distant memory, from long ago, and
almost forgotten, was my room. Only now I saw the image of myself. I
still lay in my bed, only my hair is white, the red long stripped from
my locks. My skin is worn, wrinkled and thin, with a transparency that
only time can cause. My blue eyes have faded now, the sparkle no
longer shining in them. I recognize my grown children as
they sit by my side. Tears of relief, and sorrow flow, but are wiped
away, by their hugs, and memories we've shared. I overhear mentioned
moments of silliness I caused, and loving moments that are to many to
recall. My heart swelled, as I run my hand over my renewed skin,
wiping away the rush of tears. I then smoothed my flowing red hair, a
nervous action I did often, when I felt emotional and did not want
anyone to see. With a feeling of love that threatens to
overtake me, I blow my loved ones a kiss. I whisper to them all, "I
will wait for you..." Then with a last glance I go. There is
music and laughter, joy, and peace. I am greeted by countless numbers
of family members, long past. After a brief reunion a man steps
forward, His face is one that I have imagined during many a prayer. He
takes me into a loving embraces, which comforts me in body, and soul,
removing any lingering fear of the unknown. In my heart I know that
this is what my heart has always longed for, and I know that now my
journey is only beginning. Then he whispers, just loud enough for me to hear, "Well done my faithful servant. I have come to take you home."
As I take his hand and cross through the veil, crossing the eternal
borders, I offer one last prayer for you all. My prayer is that your
crossing will be as peaceful as mine has been, and that one day when it
is your time He will come to meet you, and say the words that I have
always longed to hear, "You have done well my faithful servant. I have
come to welcome you home."